County Down headquartered, GRAHAM has announced the completion of the last beam lift of the year on the M25 junction 28 scheme.

The installation saw 16 pre-cast beams lifted into position for the construction of the new Alderwood bridge, located beside the M25, Essex.

The impressively long beams (23.5metres) were installed onto the newly constructed concrete supports, also known as abutments, with each beam weighing 35 tonnes.

Once completed, the bridge will carry the new A12 loop road between the M25 and A12 over the M25 entry slip.

There has been a substantial number of transformations on the surface between the M25 and A12. Those include:

• Piling works

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• Site clearance

• Construction of reinforced abutments for major structures

• Beams and culverts installed

• Earthworks

• Creation of new ponds

• Diverting and protecting services

• Construction starting on the new M25 anticlockwise entry slip road

There has also been a lot happening below the surface. GRAHAM's tunnel boring machine, Tina, played a crucial role in rerouting a gas main. Additionally, various service pipes and cables were relocated, and protective measures implemented to safeguard a fuel line.

Hugh McNally, GRAHAM Project Manager said: "Looking back at 2023, it has been a year of significant progress for the improvement scheme – we’ve witnessed remarkable transformations in the M25 and A12 area with the recent installation of beams for the construction of the new Alderwood bridge, beside the M25 – there has been a lot going on above and below ground - thanks to the team for delivering this scheme in a timely and safely conscious manner."

Zac Pepper, National Highways Project Manager commented: "What a year it's been for our improvement scheme! If you drive past, you’ll see all the new structures taking shape within the site; new bridges have started to come out of the ground, piling machines have helped build foundations and supports, and concrete’s been poured."